Why can't I see the entire Social Security Number (SSN) on the bond?

Since August 1, 2006, we mask the first five numbers on paper savings bonds. We do this to protect your privacy and to keep the information from being used for identity theft. You see asterisks (**) for those numbers.

What does Treasury use the SSN for?

The SSN on a paper savings bond is only for keeping bond records.

Must I give my SSN when I redeem the bond?

Yes. We use the SSN to issue a Form 1099-INT, which reports to you and the IRS the interest the bond earned. You must then report the interest on your federal income tax form.

What if the SSN on the bond is wrong?

We want to have the correct SSN in our records in case we ever need to search the records.

To tell us about an incorrect SSN on a bond, please send a letter with the following information:

Incorrect number

Correct number

For each bond that has the wrong SSN

Serial number

Issue date

Denomination – for example, that it is a $50 bond or a $100 bond

Registration – owner, co-owner (if there is one), beneficiary (if there is one)